Flying Car Given All Clear for Road Use

Ironically, the hardest part of building a flying car might be proving it's capable of being piloted safely on land. The Terrafugia Transition flying car has been granted special exemptions by the Department of Transportation that allow the four-wheeled aircraft to driven on public roads. The tiny company, based just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, is the first to be granted these special dispensations.

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These include special highway-rated tires that, according to Terrafugia's website, "are not ordinarily allowable for multi-purpose vehicles." Automotive safety glass has also given way to "polycarbonate materials," which the company says is both lighter and safer in the case of bird impact – we're guessing this isn't referring to a mishap while pulling into the parking lot of the local KFC.

The Terrafugia (pronounced terra-FOO-gee-ah) was designed by MIT engineers. When not airborne, the wings fold up via controls located in the cockpit. There is seating for two and, according to the manufacturer, the 100-bhp Rotax engine returns a commendable 35-mpg on the road. A carbon-fiber safety cage and dual front airbags are there in case something goes wrong on the road. A full vehicle parachute is optional, in case you're more concerned about encountering problems at higher altitudes.

Sales are not expected to begin until next year, with a starting price of approximately $250,000.